Apple Intelligence is the name Apple gives to the AI features built into newer iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Unlike ChatGPT or Gemini, it’s not one app. It’s a set of helpful tools spread across your device.
What can Apple Intelligence do?
- Writing Tools: in almost any app where you type, you can select text and ask it to proofread, rewrite, make it more friendly or professional, or summarize.
- Notification summaries: it can shorten a pile of notifications or a long group chat into a quick overview.
- Clean Up in Photos: remove unwanted people or objects from the background of a photo.
- Genmoji and Image Playground: create custom emoji and fun images from a description.
- Smarter Siri: Siri understands more natural language and can hand some questions over to ChatGPT, if you allow it.
- Visual Intelligence: point your camera at something, like a restaurant or poster, to learn more about it.
Which devices have it?
Apple Intelligence needs newer hardware. It works on recent iPhone models (starting with the iPhone 15 Pro), and on iPads and Macs with Apple’s M-series chips. Features and languages are being added over time, and availability can depend on your country. Check Apple’s website for the current list.
Is it free?
Yes. Apple Intelligence is included with compatible devices at no extra cost. Some optional extensions, like a paid ChatGPT account, are separate.
How to turn it on
- Make sure your device software is up to date (Settings > General > Software Update).
- Go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri.
- Turn on Apple Intelligence. It may need a few minutes to download.
Easy things to try
- Write a quick email, select the text, and tap Writing Tools > Friendly.
- In Photos, open a picture, tap Edit, then Clean Up, and tap something you want to remove.
- Type a description in the emoji keyboard to create a Genmoji.
What about privacy?
Apple’s approach is privacy-focused. Many tasks run directly on your device. More complex requests use Apple’s own secure servers, which Apple says don’t store your data. If Siri offers to use ChatGPT, it asks your permission first.
The bottom line
Apple Intelligence isn’t a chatbot you “go to”. It’s AI quietly built into the things you already do on your iPhone or Mac. If you have a compatible device, it’s worth turning on and exploring the Writing Tools and Photos features first.
Frequently asked questions
Which iPhones have Apple Intelligence?
Apple Intelligence works on recent iPhone models starting with the iPhone 15 Pro, and on iPads and Macs with Apple’s M-series chips. Check Apple’s website for the current list and supported languages.
Is Apple Intelligence free?
Yes. It’s included at no extra cost on compatible devices.
How do I turn on Apple Intelligence?
Update your device, then go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and switch it on. It may need a few minutes to download.